What is chemical energy? Definition and examples

Some of the most important characteristics of chemical energy are:

• It is found in chemical bonds, atoms, and subatomic particles.
• It can be observed and measured only when a chemical reaction occurs.
• Any matter considered combustible contains chemical energy.
• It can be released or absorbed. For example, combustion releases more energy than is needed to start the reaction. Instead, the process of photosynthesis absorbs more energy than it releases.

Examples of chemical energy

There are several examples both in nature and in industry, which allow a better understanding of what chemical energy is:

• Coal: During the combustion reaction, chemical energy is converted into light and heat.
• Wood: its combustion converts chemical energy into light and heat.
• Petroleum: It can be burned for light and heat or transformed into another form of chemical energy, such as gasoline.
• Propane – Burned to produce heat and light.
• Natural Gas: The combustion reaction converts chemical energy into light and heat.
• Photosynthesis : This process transforms solar energy into chemical energy.
• Cellular respiration : through a set of reactions, the chemical energy of glucose is transformed into the chemical energy of ATP, a form of energy that our bodies use.

Other examples of chemical energy in everyday life are:

• Food: When digested, the chemical energy in food is changed into other forms of energy that cells use.
• Cold packs: In this case, chemical energy is absorbed during the reaction.
• Hot Packs: The chemical reaction produces heat or thermal energy.
• Chemical batteries: store chemical energy that is converted into electricity.

Advantages of chemical energy

Chemical energy has several advantages. Some of them are:

• It is very little polluting.
• It has a high performance.
• It is an abundant source of energy.
• It burns easily.
• It allows to modify matter and take advantage of waste materials.
• It allows the discovery of new materials and important products for our day to day. For example, products for the home, cleaning and personal hygiene.
• Facilitates research and development of new drugs.
• It contributes to the development of technological advances and scientific methods, such as water purification.

Bibliography

• Well done Rodriguez. Chemistry VI, the energy in chemical changes. (2013). Spain. exodus group.
• Garcia Taravilla, ME; Martí Oliet, VM Generation and recovery of energy . (2020). Spain. Editorial ONE.